Service Forester, Natural Resource Specialist ; NRS

Service Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)

Recruitment #

Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Anticipated Non-permanent end date is June 30, 2027

Location:

Northeast Region - Deer Park, WA

Work Hour flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $4,517.00 - $6,075.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/15/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Northeast Region is looking to fill a Service Forester (NRS2) position based out of our Deer Park location, helping provide coverage in both Spokane and Stevens County. We are looking for an individual who is a proven team player, has experience in forestry, forest health, and fire suppression, and displays an effective form of leadership to deliver program goals to local landowners.

The local work unit is dominated by pine stands in desperate need of treatments to promote forest health, reduce fuel loading, and protect structures. Since 2020, hundreds of people have purchased open lands within the work unit in hopes of building their dream houses, and oftentimes these places are overrun with pine thickets and overcrowded forests in poor health. This position will help to support the private landowners in protecting their dream and the surrounding communities.

Thousands of existing homes and properties are losing the battle every year trying to manage the forest that never stops growing. The Service Forester’s decisions on timber and biomass management are very important and can certainly put a property on a better trajectory of good forest health, which is a cornerstone goal of the program.

The Service Forester position will report to the Sr. Service Forester (NRS3) and will require the ability to foster positive working relationships amongst the other Service Foresters in the county and region, while also interacting with the general public, contractors, fire districts, and other state, local, county, and federal agencies on a routine basis. This position will require the successful candidate to exercise their knowledge of forestry, forest health, fire behavior, structural protection, agreement negotiation, and communication skills.

By performing these actions effectively, efficiently, and professionally, the Service Forester supports the DNR in fulfilling its mission of providing innovative leadership and expertise to ensure environmental protection, community safety, and a rich quality of life for current and future generations.

• Under the direction of the Senior Service Forester, provide on-site or remote professional guidance and technical expertise to forest landowners (and forest landowner service providers) regarding forest management and structure risk reduction.
• Assist with facilitating landowner participation in financial assistance programs and forest health or fuel reduction contracts.
• Collaborate with other agency partners to help customize a plan of action for the landowner.
• Serve as a technical and professional resource for educational programs.
• On assigned projects, design work units on the ground for the purpose of utilizing funds within the cost share program.
• Complete home risk assessments.
• Enter and provide documentation for all inquiries and services provided into the One Stop Shop Online Tracking Tool.

You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills…